International press agencies, including CNN and BBC, are reporting that military forces have taken control of Bangkok. Almost all Thai newspaper websites have been closed down. Thai TV channels are all showing the same program – martial music interspresed with a message saying that the military and police are taking care of the situation in Bangkok. International press agencies are reporting that military forces have taken control of Government House and that 14 tanks now surround government house.

Thai network, UBC, ceased broadcasting international news coverage at just before midnight. CNN, BBC World, CNBC and Bloomberg News were all taken off the air and replaced with an apology for the break in transmission. All international channels on UBC ceased broadcasting at roughly 1am.

It is reported that caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra – in New York for the opening of the UN General Assembly – declared a state of emergency and removed army commander-in-chief, General Sonthi Bunyaratkarin, earlier on Tuesday evening. General Sonthi responded by arrest the Deputy Prime Minster sent to remove him and took his forces into Bangkok.

General Sonthi has ordered that all other military foces remain at their bases and not move into the capital.

Phuket has so far been unaffected.

Phuket Post will update our readers as more information becomes available.